Friday, February 8, 2019

"The Horrorwood Bat Pack", a title conjured up by Forrest J Ackerman, referring to that wonderful trio also known as Ray, Ray & FJA. I guess for myself as for so many, it begins with Forry, but I have to admit that all during the time I was reading Famous Monsters, of the three I suppose I was most interested in Ray Harryhausen. When I finally got to meet him, I at least had some technical questions to ask that I felt were of interest and he responded accordingly. He was very kind and I would enjoy being at certain dinners and events in his presence but unlike so many fans that I've met since, I can't claim I was a 'favorite' of his.

It wasn't until much later in life that I was honored to spend time with Forry and probably had the best conversations while being at his home and just chatting about anything, cinema, the horror genre, Fritz Lang....life in general. It was grand and would have never had come about if it were not for Richard Valley and Scarlet Street.

That leaves Ray Bradbury. I did read some of his stories while growing up but I never sought him out. As you can imagine when I met him I had nothing to say but he still acknowledged me and we'd exchange a greeting. I always felt inadequate in that way because there's no one I've met who has known Ray who doesn't worship him, and I'm sure if I had experienced more of his writings I'd feel the same. (I finally have a book of 100 of his stories on its way via eBay and am looking forward to it.)

So, although he's there, in my heart...it wasn't until I made contact with one of his daughters through Facebook, Bettina Bradbury, that I finally had a feeling the triangle was now complete. We personally never talked about 'Papa', I always let others take that up. Bettina didn't know me from Adam and seemingly wasn't bothered by that as from the moment I was in contact with her, she just enveloped me with 'open arms'. I almost immediately started calling her 'Sis' or 'Tina' which if that seemed a bit forward, she never let on that it may have bothered her. In fact I soon became another brother to her, so I don't know...she may have started it! If I was troubled, she always had a kind word. We soon fell into a very casual and comfortable online relationship. Nothing deep. I just knew I was accepted.

All I could think of is if Ray could raise such a spirit as Bettina, I'd finally and really got to know him as best as anyone ever could. So, with that, I now have to mourn as during the early days of this year we lost her quite unexpectedly. As I think about it, she died at the age just short of my father's being roughly half way through his 63rd year.

I didn't need to be reminded how much she meant to those who really knew her. As the rush of emotions came pouring in online, I found myself stunned and muted. I am so grateful that I can count myself as one of the many she treated so well in friendship. I was so very much looking forward to meeting her in the future, and had no doubt that was going to occur and it would have been like hanging out with an old friend...or indeed being with a sister.

Thank you, Sis. Knowing you, even as we did, was perhaps the best way ever. I will always cherish the words of encouragement which you gave me. Say 'hi' to 'Papa' for us all!

Late addition:The evening of the day I wrote this post introduction (February 3rd, 2019) I received word that our wonderful lady, Julie Adams, had passed away at the age of 92. The spirit of Ms. Adams shines throughout this issue of Scarlet Street, but I will be sure to have a special message dedicated to her in my next SS post.

*Scenes from the making of "The Creature From The Black Lagoon" [1954]

*What appears to be an early Creature 'head' being worn

*Scenes from "The Creature From The Black Lagoon" [1954]

*Julie Adams with Ray Danton (3rd from top) in "The Looters" [1955]

*Julie Adams with Rock Hudson (3rd from top) in "The Lawless Breed" [1953]

*Julie Adams with Van Heflin (top) in "Wings of the Hawk" [1953] and George Nader (3rd from the top) in "Six Bridges to Cross" [1954]